Global Scans · Good Health and Well-being · Weekly Summary

In September 2015, 193 world leaders agreed to 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. If these Goals are completed, it would mean an end to extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030.
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

• [New] In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the integration of community and digital tools presents a unique opportunity for the NHS to enhance patient care and health equity. National Health Executive
• [New] As the NHS faces unprecedented challenges, including rising demand, workforce shortages, and stretched budgets, the potential for technology to revolutionise healthcare has never been more relevant. National Health Executive
• [New] We believe that the integration of artificial intelligence chatbots in healthcare has the potential to enhance patient engagement and alleviate the workload for medical staff. NYU Langone News
• [New] By developing an intentional strategy, MIT will be well positioned to lead in, and benefit from, the coming waves of AI. MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• [New] The projected rising global healthcare costs are increasing pressure on organizations to source cost-efficient medical supplies without compromising on high-quality. Medical and Lab Supplies
• [New] Increase was driven by factors like the ageing demographics and expected increases in government spending, regardless of the $1 trillion in reduced federal healthcare spending expected over 10 years from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. HFMA
• [New] Hospital construction continues to far outpace outpatient facilities and is projected to reach $38.8 billion by 2030, driven by population growth, outpatient care expansion and rising capital investment from financially strong health systems. HFMA
• [New] In 2026, an estimated 6.3 million people will need health assistance and more than 10 million people will require some form of humanitarian support. UNOG
• [New] Growing awareness of mental health and preventive wellness is generating strong opportunities for mobile health applications in North America. Persistence Market Research
• [New] For Indigenous peoples in Canada, settler colonialism has created conditions that have led to wide disparities in health outcomes, including a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
• [New] Novo Nordisk declared that it is pursuing an Ozempic lawsuit against telemedicine platform Hims & Hers for purportedly deceiving patients and putting their health at risk by marketing and distributing compounded knockoff versions of Ozempic and Wegovy drugs. Slepkow Law
• [New] The U.S. has signed 24 Memorandums of Understanding with partner countries to date, totaling $20.2 billion in combined health financing for 2026 to 2030. George W. Bush Presidential Center
• [New] Economic models estimate global annual loss due to brain health degradation at $16 trillion by 2030, whereas investments in brain capital promise $26 trillion in GDP gains. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Japan will allow people with outdated health insurance cards to receive treatment at reduced costs until the end of July. Japan Wire by KYODO NEWS
• [New] Patient safety challenges expected to influence healthcare delivery in 2026 reflect the combined impact of technological change, operational pressures and cultural factors. HealthManagement.org
• [New] With rising adoption across Latin America, Mercado Pago is well positioned to benefit from a large, underserved population and to capture long-term financial inclusion opportunities. Yahoo Finance
• [New] As digital transformation envelops health care delivery over the next decade, the potential for moving health home grows larger. Medical Economics
• [New] Barley and pulse markets are expected to remain well supplied in 2026, limiting price upside. Mirage News
• [New] In the next chapter of Medicare Advantage, successful health plans will balance competitive positioning with financial discipline and ultimately transform the line of business to ensure sustainability. Healthcare Advisory Services and Analytics | Healthscap
• [New] Germany, France, and the United Kingdom are expected to have the fastest-growing virtual reality healthcare markets in Europe. Spherical Insights
• [New] Shigella infections remain a significant public health threat in the United States because of their diverse outbreak patterns and high disease impact, particularly among young children. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] EPA's determination rescinds the 2009 Endangerment Finding, which found that climate pollution is a threat to public health and welfare. American Public Health Association

Last updated: 22 March 2026